The Cup Defenders Association, one of Bristol’s most heralded and well-respected organizations, celebrated its 90th anniversary with a gala party last Saturday night inside the newly-renovated Antonio Dupont Memorial Hall. A number of town officials were in attendance, as well as many current club members and other friends.

Club President Steve Cavalieri said this special event had been planned for months and he was most appreciative to see the large turnout of well over 100 people in attendance.

“Everyone had a great time,” he said. “Thanks to everyone who helped make it a great event.”

Saturday night’s festivities opened with invocation by Deacon Paul Bisbano of St. Mary’s Church. Master of Ceremonies for the evening was club recording Secretary Edward P. Stuart, Jr., who read a history of the club and acknowledged several local and state government officials. Also introduced, aside from club president Steve Cavalieri, were club officers Rick “Packo” Souza, vice president; Dennis Araujo, treasurer; Stephen Zbyszewski, financial secretary; and Robert Janik, sergeant at arms.

Also on the program were Bristol Town Administrator Steven Contente and Bristol Town Council Chairman Nathan Calouro, who presented a special citation marking the occasion. Both Mr. Contente and Mr. Calouro commented on how much this club has meant to the Bristol community, past and present. In addition, citations were received from members of the Rhode Island General Assembly.

The Cup Defenders Association was incorporated on Sept. 24, 1935 with a charter membership that included Michael Ascoli, Albert Quito, Orlando J. Bisbano, Michael W. Pasquarelli and Bennie Mansi. Orlando J. “Larney” Bisbano is credited with being the club’s founder and first president.
This club was founded on the basis of pride and total commitment to the Bristol community.

Through the years, the Cup Defenders have given back to the community in many ways through local sporting activities (sponsoring baseball, basketball, softball, bocce, bowling teams, etc.) and other events, including hosting the state’s oldest, continuous Children’s Christmas Party, which will also be celebrating its 90th birthday this coming December.

As its history has unfolded, the Cup Defenders Association remains “a non-political, unbiased, civic and patriotic organization…free from political affiliations.” Honorary members have included Dr. John Bernardo, late Police Chief Anthony J. Ferrara, Rear Admiral (Ret.) Gilbert C. Hoover, the late Brig. General Luke H. Callan, Bertram W. Wall, and Matteo Damiano.
Original club headquarters were located at a vacant store at the corner of Wood and Catherine St. until 1949, when club officials moved it to its current quarters on Wood Street, just one block south of the old location.
As the story goes, the name “Cup Defenders” got its name in 1935 because Bristol was known for building Cup Defenders sailing yachts. The name has stuck ever since.

“This club has meant so much to so many people over the years, and I want to thank the executives, board of directors, and members, past and present, who have helped the club throughout the years, as well as others for their continued support and help,” said Mr. Cavalieri.

From this writer’s perspective, the Cup Defenders provided local youngsters during those formative years the opportunity to play baseball, football, and other sports on its spacious outdoor grounds at the rear and side of the building. Sports kept youngsters off the streets back then, and it was a great way to grow up as a kid.

At the conclusion of the anniversary program, Deacon Paul Bisbano was one of the last members at the head table to sit back and quietly reflect on his father, the late Orlando J. Bisbano, and what he meant to this organization.

He said, without hesitation, “I know my father must be smiling down from above with all that’s gone on here this evening.” Deacon Paul couldn’t have said it any better.